The Packaging Diva partner, Mfg.com and creator of the packaging platform is proud to announce that they are taking the packaging marketplace out of beta. After months of rigorous testing, MFG.com is elated to officially launch its proprietary packaging marketplace.  It is available immediately at www.MFG.com/Packaging, for all manufacturers in the packaging ecosystem.

The packaging marketplace is the only online platform that gives those who have a packaging need the on-demand tools to automatically discover and collaborate with the right suppliers, securely submit RFQs and receive quotes in an online, easy-to-compare format.  For packaging suppliers, the MFG.com marketplace is the most powerful lead generation tool available, providing a steady stream of prospective customers from a variety of channels.

“We basically make a $1.3 trillion dollar industry that is complex and highly fragmented much easier to navigate,” said Mitch Free, Founder and CEO of MFG.com, “We have had a lot of positive feedback and have worked diligently to get the packaging marketplace to this huge milestone and are pleased to be moving it officially out of beta.”

MFG.com is the global leader in online marketplaces for mechanical parts, textiles & apparel and now packaging.  87% of the Fortune 100 Manufacturing companies and hundreds of thousands of small & medium sized manufacturing businesses already use MFG.com.  With over 200,000 members in 50 countries, launching a packaging marketplace was a natural progression.

“We continue to be laser focused on helping product manufacturing companies get their products to market faster and at the best value. Almost everything that is manufactured needs to be packaged and finding the right supplier that will deliver on-time, under budget and to your rigorous quality standards can be a challenge,” said Free, “The packaging marketplace brings years of expertise in making these vial connections in diverse manufacturing industries.”

“I am honored to have been involved in the launch of this game-changing marketplace,” said JoAnn Hines, an industry expert branded the “Packaging Diva”, “A place where you can go to find qualified and rated suppliers based on your precise specifications and receive easily comparable quotes in real-time online was unheard of…until now. People come to me every day and ask for recommendations on where to find qualified packaging manufacturers. Now, the whole sourcing process is extremely streamlined. Making your packaging requirements become a reality is priceless in this ever-changing, complex industry.”

Go to www.MFG.com/packaging to register for your free account.

About MFG.com

MFG.com is the largest online marketplace for the global manufacturing industry. MFG.com’s platform enables companies to intelligently connect, source, collaborate and perform due diligence with transparency and intellectual property protection. It supports virtually all manufacturing processes and industrial components, is in seven major languages, more than 50 currencies and has more than 200,000 contract manufacturers and members on five continents. MFG.com is based in Atlanta and has offices in Shanghai and Paris. For more information: www.MFG.com & www.mfg.com/textiles.

If you are looking to impress me or her the right packaging can make a difference.

Will it be the traditional candy in a box like this?

Via Godiva.com

According to Packaging Digest U.S. sales of chocolate are expected to exceed $19 billion in 2014, up from $16 billion in 2006, according to Rockville, MD-based Packaged Facts, a market research group. Of that, premium chocolate will account for 25 percent of sales in 2011, up from 17 percent five years earlier.

I’m a chocoholic so this might work.

But even better this truly fits the bill. (Still waiting for my packaging review sample)
Add this to my wish list for anytime giving.

Diva Vodka

Or what about a complete pizza dinner in a box along with a proposal (I’m married thank you).

Via Foodista.com

Or even something handmade from the heart?

Via MarthaStewart.com

With so many great options out there how do you choose what’s right for her?
It’s all in the packaging: Marrying the right product with the right message in superlative packaging.
So whatever gift you choose be sure it fits her and her personality and what she really wants.
It doesn’t have to be pink or even red as long as it connects with her on a core level.
The right packaging can make it possible before she even opens your gift.

In case you thought I forgot, your man needs a Valentine too.

Via WalMart.com

Just kidding!

But this will warm the cockles of any man’s heart (women too)

via justforguysgiftbaskets.com

Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours.

Even more interesting is that Bubble Wrap® was invented as plastic wallpaper with a paper backing. After the plastic wallpaper failed to take off in the consumer market, the inventors realized that their invention could be used as a packaging material. Look where it is today, a mainstream of modern life. We can all aspire to having our product become a household word. Wouldn’t it be great if the first person someone thinks of when they have a problem to resolve or needs a solution were you and your product?

The point of this trivial information is to send home the message that your success is all about branding. It is vital to brand yourself. That means build an image in someone’s mind that pops (no pun intended) to the forefront when they need a particular product, service or expertise. Branding yourself doesn’t happen overnight. First, you have to compete with the awareness factor. (Do they even know that you exist?) Next, you have to overcome the credibility factor. (They know who you are, but do they know what you can do for them?) Finally, you have to tackle accessibility or availability (Can they reach you when they need to? Do they know where and how to get in touch with you?)

Think again about Bubble Wrap® and all of its unlikely applications. People never seem to throw it away. They save it for future uses or because it’s cool and works as a definite de-stressor. That is how you want your clients/customers to think of you. They save your info for when the need arises and remember the infinite ways that they can use your services.

So what lesson can we learn from Bubble Wrap®? Sometimes our marketing efforts might move in unpredictable ways. Ways we could not have conceived when we thought of the original idea. However, no idea, no matter how bizarre it may seem should be discarded. The secret lies in capturing those ideas when they arise and using them as a platform to focus on bigger and better opportunities.  So get out of your bubble and begin a strategy that concentrates on branding yourself.

Need to know who’s got the latest concepts in packaging innovation? I know, that’s what I do-track packaging trends and innovation and how it is going to impact your business. I’ll share how I BubbleWrap® branded myself too.

Get connected with me the #1 connected person in packaging JoAnn Hines Packaging Diva for: Answers, Advice, Results!

Because of renewed interest in packaging a lot of companies are creating packaging blogs. Every day new blogs surface. The way it works for most companies someone is assigned the task to blog about packaging without a serious understanding what blogging is all about.

I’ve been studying the packaging blogosphere for quite some time and there are really some superlative examples out there, especially in the realm of packaging design and packaging sustainability. I’ve created what I consider the most extensive list of packaging blogs at my own blogroll @ http://packaginguniversity.com/blog.

Before you get all huffy because you are not on my packaging blogroll list I’ll explain why.

The majority of packaging blogs are BORING! They simply don’t have a clue about how to blog or what to blog about. They are either collections of current news archives, directories of other packaging web sites or in the worst case scenario self serving sales promotions for the company. Who cares? Seriously people, provide some meaningful information. I’m not going to follow you (nor will any one else) if all you do is pitch products or showcase uninteresting product descriptions and I really don’t care who you just hired.

There is a whole world of exciting information on packaging available. That’s the whole secret behind successful blogging: compelling content, information or insights that people want to know. I don’t want to see a bunch of pages telling me what you are selling, I already know that. I want you to tell me how I can do my job better as a packaging professional, fix my packaging problems, be more cost effective, showcase the latest packaging innovations or stay in tune with the latest packaging trends.

Prove to me that packaging is as interesting to the world as it is to you and your company. Learn these packaging blog basics and you will have a winning packaging blog kid will want follow and recommend to others.

Why listen to me? I’m the most influential packaging person in social media.  So follow me on Twitter as @packagingdiva and I’ll teach you how you can influential too.

Got a blog you want me to look at just comment here and I’ll take a peek.

Let’s think about how we can positively promote our industry and your products in the minds of the consumer for 2012. Set your sights on a few resolutions to create a more lasting impression with the ultimate market for your products: the consumer.

1. First, learn to think like the customer. At one time or another, we all shop. Think critically from that side of the aisle. What annoys you in product packaging? “Wrap-rage” dominates the news during the holidays.

WrapRage over packaging

but what if all the products came damaged and broken? Would those same consumers decry the lack of or improper packaging? You bet! People love to rail about packaging failures.

2. You may not think “less” packaging is good but what about the consumer? Do they really want less or has this “green” issue been created by the media? I know a lot of companies are jumping on the green bandwagon but are consumers willing to pay the price and do they truly care? It’s something to consider before making a wholesale leap into the “green” space.

I heard a great quote at the Sustainable Plastics Packaging conference: “The consumer knows just enough on sustainability to get them through a cocktail party” so what do they really think about your packaging?

3. Step back and think about what product packaging attributes you personally like and why. Recently, I was interviewed about why marketers insist on changing well-defined and successful product packaging. Consumers don’t like when trusted brands have a new look in packaging. So don’t get caught up in change for change’s sake. Listen to what the customer says about what they want changed in the package or work to fulfill an unmet need.

Here’s a great packaging example with a multitude of purposes.  Fulfilling a need.

Oneglass™ Wine

4. Try to more clearly think like and understand your target market. Whether it’s women, men, boomers or a younger generation it’s important to understand what the consumer expects from your product packaging. We always hear about packaging that doesn’t work, but what about the packaging that does?  How can you take successful packaging innovation and integrate that into your brand? Or could your packaging the brand itself?

We’ve see some great examples emerge this year like this.

LifeBox the box is the brand.

via Inhabitat
Here’s another example

via eBay

5. Does your packaging connect with the consumer in a meaningful way? Here is an example of what I mean by connecting. We all know Elizabeth Taylor and the upscale image she portrays. Remember her White Diamonds campaign?  Well, someone persuaded her to endorse a new cologne, Daytona 500. Duh! She went from Diamonds to NASCAR. No consumer can make that leap regardless how well the product is packaged.

Do you get these perfume/cologne packages? I don’t:

Orwell Perfume

via Packaging Of The World

Konvict Cologne (You’re kidding right?)

6. Learn from bad packaging examples. There are a plenty of good ideas that went bad for a number of reasons. It could be something totally unexpected.

Think about what happened to Tropicana

and SunChips compostable packaging.

Interestingly enough both of these examples cam from the same parent company. No names of course.

What looks like a good marketing angle turns out to have negative consumer repercussions. Look out for watch dog groups that might be on the attack against your latest marketing concept. You think it’s creative — they think it’s bad marketing or at the worst inappropriate marketing.

7. Learn from good packaging examples. There are so many good examples it’s hard to select just a few so I decided to use some from a “hot” packaging category. Liquor. Liquor packaging has undergone a transformation along with the new product offerings. It’s not uncommon to find designer packaging along with designer prices. I’ll mention two. Diva Vodka complimented with Swarovski Crystals and other precious gemstones and Gold Flakes Vodka care to guess what’s inside?

I think they should send me a bottle as the Packaging Diva.

Diva Vodka

The point is they have created a distinct point of differentiation through their product packaging. That is the message you need to consider for your products.

8. Create brand extensions through innovation not simply by adding a so-called new and improved packaged product. Here are examples of two packaging innovations that have crossed over through innovation. Wishbone Salad Dressing typically marketed in a pourable bottle. It has moved into a spray pump application. Spritz a little dressing on your salad. The product fulfills a consumer need to have an easier way for calorie control. Another example is Laughing Cow Cheese in the traditional foil wrapped wedges has moved into a squeeze bottle application to make it easier for portion control and also easier to spread.

9. Stay on top of industry trends. Every January I predict packaging trends for the coming year so your work is done for you. Review these and incorporate them into your marketing strategy.

10. Think big picture. One of the most surprising things I read this week was about the most popular web searches on the Internet. Despite the obvious media “superstars” that are popular some of the other “hottest” inquires for name brands are not American. Yes, I know we are brainwashed into thinking that the US is the center of the universe, but this is changing and your packaging better keep up.

The bottom line is whatever the resolution you make for your product packaging remember the consumer is king or queen. Their packaging concerns should resonate with your brand. If they demand things as to your product packaging, resolve to listen to them.

Good packaging resolutions are easy to keep and will reinforce your brand in the eyes of the consumer.

Need to know whose got the latest concepts in packaging innovation? I know that’s what I do-track packaging trends and innovation and how it is going to impact your business. Get connected with me JoAnn Hines Packaging Diva at my web site http://packagingdiva.com or by phone 1-678-594-6872.

Whatever holiday you celebrate in the coming weeks with eating drinking and gift giving, the Packaging Makes It Possible.

Most people take that for granted as they are too busy complaining about holiday over-packaging, wrap rage or how they were injured and had to go to the hospital. They forget that even the simplest thing they can do like getting up and brushing their teeth all comes about because of packaging.

Toothpaste from a tube being applied to a toothbrush

We never think about what it takes to be able to live our lives with modern conveniences. We are the most advanced society when it comes to having products readily available for our consumption. What goes on behind the scenes to make it happen never gets considered. Mainstays of our every day lives are accessible because of packaging. Its our third largest industry too, employing millions of people!

What about these products use any of them lately?

Recently people are starting to factor (in a negative way) all the variables that it takes to provide products for contemporary life styles. Terms like carbon footprint and food miles are being bandied about without a true understanding of the big picture. Yes, its important to understand how all this plays into the entirety of what we consume. There are many ways to reduce the amount of packaging we use but its not as simple as saying less packaging. We need rethink the entire packaging paradigm about how we package things.

Rethinking how it protects, conveys or transports the product so that it arrives undamaged or unbroken. How it educates or tells us what is inside and what to do with it and sells or persuades us to buy what’s inside. It makes it easy for us to buy, use or consume it.

But the simple fact is that from the time you get up to the time you end your day packaging is integral to your life. Every product you use or consume was brought to you by packaging. So this holiday think more the package with every product you enjoy and remember this message from your Secret Santa… Packaging Makes The World Go Round.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
JoAnn

It’s an instant headline when you either talk about how angry people get when they try to open a package, how many trips they had to take to the hospital because of injuries in opening packaging or how they have been mislead by bad packaging. Numerous magazines and websites have even taken to giving out awards for the worst packaging examples. Consumers can’t wait to send in their examples and vent how they are unhappy.

Its one thing to antagonize a consumer with your packaging it’s another to solve the problem. Solving packaging problems makes happy consumers.

This year there are three basic categories of angry consumers about packaging.

Angry over hard to open packaging (Wrap-Rage):

“Wrap-Rage” (Extreme anger caused by product packaging that is difficult to open or manipulate) was even the runner up word in this years Webster’s new word competition.

Predominately associated with plastic clamshells that are almost impenetrable (never mind that there is a reason for it.) The very hard ones are sonically welded shut and you could never pull them open.

Anybody Recognize This?

Enterprising companies have come up with tools to help you open them too. I’ve received an assortment that do really work.

Enjoy Zibra OpenIt

But guess what they sell them in a clamshell too.

Thus far no one has come up with a suitable alternative although companies are trying to reduce the plastic profile to as minimal as possible.

Smaller Plastic Bigger Card

Angry over being mislead (packaging misinformation):

The most recent problems have been coming from consumers being mislead by product packaging. Either health claims or misinformation about the contents inside. Its doesn’t matter what type of claim just the fact that its wrong is what’s pushing people’s hot button. And the FTC and FDA are on the case too.

One campaign against so called “Smart Choices” lead to all the packaging being changes after consumer objected to what they considered good food choices.

Was this label telling the truth?

Read the FDA Guidance for Industry: Letter Regarding Point of Purchase Food Labeling @ http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/GuidanceDocuments/FoodLabelingNutrition/ucm187208.htm

In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that it will soon begin to target any logos or labels or symbols on cereals, snacks and other food packaging which may be making false claims to mislead or confuse the consumers. So the outcome is not yet known.

But in any case before you rush your package to market be sure and check the latest labeling guidelines and the pulse of the consumer. What you say on the front of your packaging could be misconstrued and case significant packaging problems.

Angry because the packaging is getting smaller (packaging shrink):

This is not a new phenomenon. Packaging has been getting smaller over the years (look at an old cookbook). It’s just more common place now as companies shrink the size of the package and contents to keep prices the same instead of increasing them.

When Is A Half Gallon Really A Half Gallon OR A Quart A Quart

Sorry, but we now have an educated customer that’s reading labels and taking notes. Not only are they reading them but they are comparing like products, making informed shopping decisions. Branded merchandise was already loosing ground to private label products, now even more so with the down turn in the economy. If your product shrinks or provides an unsatisfactory experience and the consumer isn’t happy they WILL look for alternative especially if they are less expensive. So do you shrink your package at the consumer’s expense?

What makes the consumer happy? Not having bad packaging to vent about. So go out of your way in 2011 to consider consumer anger touch points as you design your product packaging. Avoid “Wrap-Rage, Packaging Shrink and Misinformation wherever possible.

Got Angry Consumers? I can HELP!

You know that I’m one of the foremost consumer product packaging experts and I want to ensure you don’t make the same mistake. I’ve created a packaging “review” program tailored just for you if you have new product packaging or have just completed a packaging makeover or are introducing a new product.

It’s very simple, you provide me either with art work or physical packaging samples along with a description of your target consumer and I’ll send you a written report explaining why your packaging is or is not connecting with them.

The packaging evaluation consists of several things.

• First, I will tell you the overall impression of your product packaging.
• Second, I will cover how connected you message is to your core consumer.
• Third, I will comment on general areas of improvement or change.
• Lastly, I will cover any packaging trends that might impact your product packaging.

Sounds simple? It is, affordable too! Email me for more details on how to make your consumer want to buy your product because you have the RIGHT packaging.

Here’s just a few of recent ‘current’ phrases that are tugging at our hearts and minds hoping to capture your interest and make a sale.

What influences you today may not be the same as tomorrow.  With so many competing messages attempting to persuade you, how can you ensure your’s is the message that resonates?

Join me 12/8 as I share the insiders secrets to how to make your packaging speak human @ http://www.instantpresenter.com/AccountManager/RegEv.aspx?PIID=EA50D786854C

Why me? I’m one of the top consumer product packaging experts and I’ll share 35+ years of packaging expertise about what works and what doesn’t.

Best of all its free!

It’s an instant headline when you either talk about how angry people get when they try to open a package, how many trips they had to take to the hospital because of injuries in opening packaging or how they have been mislead by bad packaging.  Numerous magazines and websites have even taken to giving out awards for the worst packaging examples. Consumers can’t wait to send in their examples and vent how they are unhappy.

Its one thing to antagonize a consumer with your packaging it’s another to solve the problem. Solving packaging problems makes happy consumers.

This year there are three basic categories of angry consumers about packaging.

Angry over hard to open packaging (Wrap-Rage):

“Wrap-Rage” (Extreme anger caused by product packaging that is difficult to open or manipulate) was even the runner up word in this years Webster’s new word competition.

Predominately associated with plastic clamshells that are almost impenetrable (never mind that there is a reason for it.) The very hard ones are sonically welded shut and you could never pull them open.

Anybody Recognize This?

Enterprising companies have come up with tools to help you open them too. I’ve received and assortment that do really work. But guess what they sell them in a clamshell too.

Thus far no one has come up with a suitable alternative although companies are trying to reduce the plastic profile to as minimal as possible.

Smaller Plastic Bigger Card

Angry over being mislead (packaging misinformation):

The most recent problems have been coming from consumers being mislead by product packaging. Either health claims or misinformation about the contents inside. Its doesn’t matter what type of claim just the fact that its wrong is what’s pushing people’s hot button. And the FTC and FDA are on the case too.

One campaign against so called “Smart Choices” lead to all the packaging being changes after consumer objected to what they considered good food choices.

Was this label telling the truth?

Read the FDA Guidance for Industry: Letter Regarding Point of Purchase Food Labeling @ http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/GuidanceDocuments/FoodLabelingNutrition/ucm187208.htm

In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that it will soon begin to target any logos or labels or symbols on cereals, snacks and other food packaging which may be making false claims to mislead or confuse the consumers. So the outcome is not yet known.

But in any case before you rush your package to market be sure and check the latest labeling guidelines and the pulse of the consumer. What you say on the front of your packaging could be misconstrued and case significant packaging problems.

Angry because the packaging is getting smaller (packaging shrink):

This is not a new phenomenon. Packaging has been getting smaller over the years (look at an old cookbook). It’s just more common place now as companies shrink the size of the package and contents to keep prices the same instead of increasing them.

When Is A Half Gallon Really A Half Gallon OR A Quart A Quart

Sorry, but we now have an educated customer that’s reading labels and taking notes. Not only are they reading them but they are comparing like products, making informed shopping decisions. Branded merchandise was already loosing ground to private label products, now even more so with the down turn in the economy. If your product shrinks or provides an unsatisfactory experience and the consumer isn’t happy they WILL look for alternative especially if they are less expensive. So do you shrink your package at the consumer’s expense?

What makes the consumer happy? Not having bad packaging to vent about. So go out of your way in 2010 to consider consumer anger touch points as you design your product packaging.  Avoid “Wrap-Rage, Packaging Shrink and Misinformation wherever possible.

Got Angry Consumers? I can HELP!

You know that I’m one of the foremost consumer product packaging experts and I want to ensure you don’t make the same mistake. I’ve created a packaging “review” program tailored just for you if you have new product packaging or have just completed a packaging makeover or are introducing a new product.

It’s very simple, you provide me either with art work or physical packaging samples along with a description of your target consumer and I’ll send you a written report explaining why your packaging is or is not connecting with them.

The packaging evaluation consists of several things.

• First, I will tell you the overall impression of your product packaging.
• Second, I will cover how connected you message is to your core consumer.
• Third, I will comment on general areas of improvement or change.
• Lastly, I will cover any packaging trends that might impact your product packaging.

Sounds simple? It is, affordable too! Email me for more details on how to make your consumer want to buy your product because you have the RIGHT packaging.